Taipei Cafes: Hi Ryou Cafe 日楞咖啡

A review of an independent cafe, Hi日楞 Ryou Cafe, near NTU in Taipei. Notes are by an amateur coffee enthusiast and digital nomad. I’d recommend this place more for remote work, although the coffee is alright. Most photos are shot with a second-hand Fujifilm X100. This is part of my Taipei Coffee Walk: NTU, Zhongzheng, Da’An Districts.

Americano at Hi日楞 Ryou Cafe — Photo by Athena Lam

Cafe Overview:

Hi Ryou has a large patio, but only one table — Photo by Athena Lam

Morning friends will feel my pain in Taipei when it comes to cafes that open early. Because most cater to university students of people who have time in the afternoon, opening hours are frequently 11am or past lunch.

Hi Ryou is one of the handful of cafes that opens at 8am. As an added bonus, it has a more Western-inspired menu for people who want an eggs and toast alternative to the Chinese breakfast buns.

The cafe opens early for Taipei at 8am and serves breakfast — Photo by Athena Lam

Like many other Taipei cafes, this place comes with Wi-Fi and plugs under the seats. The seat options include high stools, wide two-person tables, a group table, and even a sofa area. The single table on the patio is usually occupied by someone with a lot of time.

Minimum order is 1 drink per person — Photo by Athena Lam

The menu has English. If you visit their Chinese website, you’ll also see in their blog a commitment to hand-selected ingredients, if that’s your thing. Beside the cashier, you can also have a look at the ingredients they use (and sell) in their fridge.

Wifi and plugs available for remote work at Hi日楞 Ryou Cafe — Photo by Athena Lam

I had an Americano as I wasn’t feeling in the mood for milk. As I was typing away, I couldn’t help overhear a conversation beside me by two backpackers exchanging travel information about Hong Kong. I get the impression the owners, or the space, also have a hostel or AirBnB close by, but that’s just based on the luggage I saw in the tatmi corner.

The counter in the middle separates the open space — Photo by Athena Lam

I chose an individual table lined up against the window as the place was already full by the time I arrived around 10am. It seems like the place is usually busy and has rounds that include the proper breakfast crowd, brunch groups, lunch-diners, and (of course) afternoon coffee visitors. Even though the seats are full, the place never got too loud (nor is it ever that quiet).

Seating options include group tables, counter with stools, and individual tables — Photo by Athena Lam

At this point, you’re probably wondering why I haven’t mentioned the coffee. The coffee is alright, but there was nothing particularly special about the Americano I had. It was a typically smooth Asian version of the American daily cup of black. I had already eaten by the time I arrived, but looking at the people around me, the breakfasts seemed pretty generously sized!

Their Story / What I like About Them:

The cafe gets busy after brunch! — Photo by Athena Lam

If you search for this cafe, you’ll find a name that’s slightly different from how I’ve arranged it. Most bloggers also follow their format: “Hi, 日楞 Ryou Caf’e”. The name a mix of this original name: “海日楞”, which according to the cafe’s site, means either an outpouring of love or out of love (去愛). For those who enjoy the Taipei charm, the thought that goes into little things like names, plants, and everything around a balanced lifestyle will appeal.

They really like their plants! — Photo by Athena Lam

And for remote workers, this is a great place to spend a whole day in the city centre and get some work done with some happy greens to keep you company.